POPSUGAR Celebrity

An Over-the-Top Project Runway Birthday Party

Aug 21 2012 - 6:44am

When her almost-4-year-old daughter, Charlotte, requested yet another princess birthday party, Nicole of Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [1] decided the old theme needed a new spin. "We watch Project Runway together, and she has quite the eye for fashion and is starting to recognize fabrics and gown silhouettes," Nicole says. "It's not every 4-year-old who can point out an ombré ball gown or a colorblocked tunic. So, when I suggested Charlotte's Royal Project Runway fashion show, I had her attention. When I told her the 'challenge' would be to create a look inspired by a princess to walk the runway, I had the judges' approval!" Nicole owns a bridal salon, so she had the perfect spot to throw the inspirational event, which was so detailed and over the top that we're guessing little Charlotte will be talking about it for many birthdays to come. Keep clicking to check out the princess-meets-Heidi Klum [2] details, captured by About Love Inspired Photography [3]! Make it work, birthday girl!

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [4]

Make It Work!

Charlotte and her friends entered the Project Runway princess party. "Auntie and Grandma agreed to transform our bridal boutique into the venue for one special day," Nicole says. "I truly wanted everything to be very authentic from the TV series, including the designers' workroom and break room, the famous accessory wall, the makeup studio, and, of course, the runway!"

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [5]

Princess Style Points

The invitation introduced the theme by showcasing some princess style. We love the mirror insert showing the "fairest of them all" guests!

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [6]

Sign-In Table

Guests (aka "designers") were greeted with a message from the birthday girl, directing them to report to the workroom.

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [7]

The Runway

The runway was ready for the girls and featured two princess gowns. "Adding a little Disney-inspired princess magic was easy," Nicole says. "I decorated with evening gowns designed by Tony Bowls to set the scene, highlighting gowns that could be a 'look' inspired by one of the 10 fashionable princesses."

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [8]

Princess Gowns

Designer gowns and a Snow White as a Vogue cover girl. Too cute!

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [9]

Inspiration Board

An inspiration board helped bring out each guest's inner designer.

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [10]

Workroom

"As the minidesigners entered the party, they found a sketch book (DIY [11] coloring book) with colored pencils at their individual work stations to begin their inspiration," Nicole says. "In my best 'supermodel' host introduction, I welcomed the designers and gave them their design challenge."

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [12]

Mood

"Of course, the first step was to visit Mood [the fabric store on the show] to select and purchase their materials for their custom princess attire," Nicole says. "Each girl had a Papercandee [13] paper purse filled with a candy watch and chocolate coins labeled, 'You will have 10 minutes and three gold coins to spend at Mood.'"

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [14]

Ribbons and Trims

"During their visit to Mood, each designer met the design team from JuJu's Tutus [15] to select custom ribbons, flowers, and bows to adorn their tutu," Nicole says.

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [16]

Snap to It!

"While Julie was busy customizing each tutu, each designer received a plain T-shirt and a box of decorative accessories," Nicole says. "The t-shirts were prepared in advance by Grandma, who sewed three clear snaps at neckline. All the decorative goodies in the box (rosettes, poms, gems, bows) were finished with coordinating snaps. This genius idea allowed each girl to design and redesign their own shirt without any help from an adult, a glue gun, or any messy crafting supplies."

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [17]

Working the Runway

A final look hit the runway.

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [18]

Break Room

"After all the hard work, the designers were rewarded with cookies, cake pops, and cupcakes displayed in the most fashionable and fabulous way," Nicole says. "Serving as the party's centerpiece and dessert table, the accessory wall displayed all edible accessories inspired by the outfits worn by Disney princesses."

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [19]

Edible Accessories

"Casey's Confections [20] baked and decorated the most dapper and delicious stiletto-heel cupcakes, handbag cookies, and cookie crowns fit for any royal event," Nicole says. "Each of her creations was color-coordinated perfectly for each storybook diva and adorned with glitter, sugar gems, and the royal icing touches."

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [21]

Crown Cookies

A cookie crown created by Casey's Confections [22].

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [23]

Chic Shades

"Sugarlily Cookie Company [24] accessorized each princess with sunglasses to match her ensemble," Nicole says.

Source: Million Dollar Smile Celebrations [25]

Drink Station

Thirsty designers picked up beverages at a table that continued the fashionable princess theme.